Bill lets landlords ban smoking in units

SACRAMENTO — The state Senate has approved a bill that would let landlords ban smoking on their properties, including inside rental units.

Sen. Alex Padilla says there is no prohibition on landlords prohibiting smoking, but his bill specifically makes it clear they have that power under California law.

Padilla, a Democrat from Los Angeles, says his bill is designed to give families more smoke-free options. The bill, SB332, is supported by the California Apartment Association.

It passed the Senate on a 33-2 vote Monday without debate. It now goes to the Assembly.

Padilla’s office says more than 30 percent of California’s housing is apartments and condominiums. He argues that secondhand smoke can travel between the units through open windows and doors, shared ventilation systems, crawl spaces and other gaps in buildings.